So, tell me about being escorted out after dinner...

[MulingAround]

Not looking to argue, but I think you're making more out of this than need be. The majority of friends I know, including my own family who have attended the Halloween and Christmas parties many times, didn't do so to see a 20 minute parade, but did so to have an easier time getting on rides, experience a less crowded atmosphere, to go trick or treating, take pictures with and greet characters and to get the free cookies and treats.

I'm not saying that because I spent money to have a nice dinner in the park that I'm entitled to all of that, because I'm not. However, I don't feel like I should be escorted to the front gate like I'm being ejected from the park after my meal. If I try to get on Space Mountain, tell me to get off, plain and simple. If I go try to get a free hot chocolate, tell me no. If I wanna stop into a store to buy a sweatshirt or an ice cream cone afterwards why shouldn't I?

Because you're taking up space
" experience a less crowded atmosphere"
Cant do that if everyone stayed after dinner to pick up some snacks or souvenirs.. No mean-ness intended of course.

 

[floridagirl61]

Jumping in here, sometimes there is special "party" merchandise that is only available for purchase during parties. Only paying party guests should be able to purchase these items, so non-paying guests should not be allowed to shop at the stores. Just my opinion but how would you feel if someone without a party ticket was in front of you in line and bought the last of something you wanted.

 

[laceyinwonderland]

There has been discussion about this.
. . . some believe this is the "guide stick" so you can follow him/her in crowds
. . . others believe this is what you become if you DON'T follow him/her

LMBO!! What kind of stick do they use for the Christmas parties? The ghost of Christmas past?!?

 

[MinnieM21]

LMBO!! What kind of stick do they use for the Christmas parties? The ghost of Christmas past?!?

 

[Traveler Steve]

I would prefer a squad of stormtroopers marching me out. If I decided to make a break for it, they couldn't hit me anyway...

1) After dinner, a CM will PERSONALLY escort you out of the park.
. . . no stopping for shopping
. . . no stopping for parade viewing
. . . no stopping for rides/attractions
. . . no stopping for talks with friends
2) The CM's are polite, but are firm that you exit directly and quickly.
3) The CM's are very diligent about making sure you leave the park right after dinner.
4) The CM escorts have let up a little.
. . . Dinner guests used to be chained complete with ankle balls, and lead out in single file.
. . . Now, the handcuffs and cattle prod serves the purpose well.

 

[LilyWDW]

I'm not saying that because I spent money to have a nice dinner in the park that I'm entitled to all of that, because I'm not. However, I don't feel like I should be escorted to the front gate like I'm being ejected from the park after my meal. If I try to get on Space Mountain, tell me to get off, plain and simple. If I go try to get a free hot chocolate, tell me no. If I wanna stop into a store to buy a sweatshirt or an ice cream cone afterwards why shouldn't I?

Because the park is closed to you. You no longer have "valid theme park admission". If you wish to stay, then you can buy a party ticket.

 

[scrappinannie]

We just returned from WDW on Monday and spent Sunday (a MNSSHP night) at MK. Had a 6:30 ADR at Tony's and didn't have party tickets. We had a very nice meal there, weren't rushed at all. Walked out of the restaurant at our own free will (no escort) right onto Main Street at about 8pm. Party was in full swing and no one ever asked us to see our bands. Of course, we didn't pay for the party and we left promptly, but I suspect we could have plopped ourselves right down on the curb and stayed there all evening to watch the parade and fireworks. I know we would have been denied rides and attractions, but we certainly were not escorted or forced out of the park. Got a really cool picture of the front of the Main Street Train Station in it's green glowing Halloween lights then headed towards the monorail.

I was fully expecting to be asked about party bands after our meal but it never happened.DH is now ready to go back for a MNSSHP. That small taste of the atmosphere on Main Street and seeing entire families dressed up totally got to him. Go figure!!

 

[lpizzuro123]

We have attended both MNSHP and MVMCP quite a few times. One of the first times was at least 8 to 10 years ago. We wanted to eat in Liberty Tree Tavern. I remember at the time we made the reservations in order to get any reservations after I think it was 4:00 or 5:00 you had to give them your party ticket reservation number. You had to prove that you had a party ticket to make a dinner reservation at any MK sit down places to eat. I also remember one year for the MVMCP, they had the regular Wishes was at either 5:00 or 6:00 for the non party people and then the special Holiday Wishes at 9:30 for the party people.

I also have a problem with nonparty guests staying in the park after the party has started. Some of the things we enjoy most are the themed parades, the special fireworks and the character interaction with less crowds. We do not use the party to get easy access to rides. We are also pin collectors and like purchasing the special pins they have at the different parties.

Linda

 

[Jennasis]

Not looking to argue, but I think you're making more out of this than need be. The majority of friends I know, including my own family who have attended the Halloween and Christmas parties many times, didn't do so to see a 20 minute parade, but did so to have an easier time getting on rides, experience a less crowded atmosphere, to go trick or treating, take pictures with and greet characters and to get the free cookies and treats.

I'm not saying that because I spent money to have a nice dinner in the park that I'm entitled to all of that, because I'm not. However, I don't feel like I should be escorted to the front gate like I'm being ejected from the park after my meal. If I try to get on Space Mountain, tell me to get off, plain and simple. If I go try to get a free hot chocolate, tell me no. If I wanna stop into a store to buy a sweatshirt or an ice cream cone afterwards why shouldn't I?

We attend specifically for the parade, fireworks, castle show and trick or treating.

 

[goofy4tink]

Not looking to argue, but I think you're making more out of this than need be. The majority of friends I know, including my own family who have attended the Halloween and Christmas parties many times, didn't do so to see a 20 minute parade, but did so to have an easier time getting on rides, experience a less crowded atmosphere, to go trick or treating, take pictures with and greet characters and to get the free cookies and treats.

I'm not saying that because I spent money to have a nice dinner in the park that I'm entitled to all of that, because I'm not. However, I don't feel like I should be escorted to the front gate like I'm being ejected from the park after my meal. If I try to get on Space Mountain, tell me to get off, plain and simple. If I go try to get a free hot chocolate, tell me no. If I wanna stop into a store to buy a sweatshirt or an ice cream cone afterwards why shouldn't I?

Because the park is closed to the general public, which you are part of. You have a park pass that is no longer good after 7pm. I actually wish Disney wouldn't allow ADRs made for within 30 mins of park closing. I really think that guests without party tickets shouldn't be able to be seated at 7pm. That has them leaving the park during the first parade. I really liked it when those with party bands were kept in one Land for an hour, while the park was cleared of day guests. There was a 60 min period when the park was closed, but those in restaurants were allowed to finish and then exit the park, without being made to feel like criminals. But that adds an addtl hour of payroll....Disney wasn't happy a out that, so did away with doing it that way.

 

[maxiesmom]

Not to start a debate, but look at it another way. And this is coming from someone who has never been to one of the parties, but would one day like too... that money that you pay for the party ticket is for the whole experience. Not just the rides and snacks. Your paying extra for things like a less crowded sidewalk to see the parade. So people with out tickets even hanging around are a problem IMO. It just worked out that we have plans for lunch at BOG(fp) and dinner at CRT on the same day, which I thought would be cool (2 castles in 1 day), but it happened to be a party night that I dont have tickets for. So we will finish our meal, and get out of dodge happily!

And don't forget they also sell party exclusive merchandise, which is why no one without a party band on can shop.

In reality, you know ahead of time there is a party that night. If you are there after the start of the party and don't have a ticket, you are being ejected from the park. Hopefully in a nice way! You don't belong, so you have to leave. And no it is not ok to hang out and enjoy the party atmosphere that so many others are willing to pay a premium for.

 

[scrappinannie]

Because the park is closed to the general public, which you are part of. You have a park pass that is no longer good after 7pm. I actually wish Disney wouldn't allow ADRs made for within 30 mins of park closing. I really think that guests without party tickets shouldn't be able to be seated at 7pm. That has them leaving the park during the first parade. I really liked it when those with party bands were kept in one Land for an hour, while the park was cleared of day guests. There was a 60 min period when the park was closed, but those in restaurants were allowed to finish and then exit the park, without being made to feel like criminals. But that adds an addtl hour of payroll....Disney wasn't happy a out that, so did away with doing it that way.

If my general admission is valid until 7pm, I should be able to do whatever I want within the park up until 7pm. That includes shopping, eating, riding rides or meeting with characters. I am entitled to my full day just as you are entitled to your hard ticket party during valid admission times. We all want to squeeze as much magic as we can out of our stay, and as long as I'm in line or checked in for my ADR by regular park close, I should be able to enjoy it.

 

[scrappinannie]

And don't forget they also sell party exclusive merchandise, which is why no one without a party band on can shop.

In reality, you know ahead of time there is a party that night. If you are there after the start of the party and don't have a ticket, you are being ejected from the park. Hopefully in a nice way! You don't belong, so you have to leave. And no it is not ok to hang out and enjoy the party atmosphere that so many others are willing to pay a premium for.

We didn't stick around and I would have felt very uncomfortable doing so, but what am I supposed to do, just pack it up at 4pm when party guests are allowed to enter the park and call it a day?? Put blind folds over our eyes and be led out the back door so we don't "accidentally" see or feel the party atmosphere? I understand the concept, but in reality unless they go back to clearing the park of day guests before allowing special event folks in, there's going to be a few of us non-party peeps wandering out of a restaurant or off an attraction after the party starts and catching a glimpse of the premium magic. Just a fact of life.

 

[juliebug1997]

If my general admission is valid until 7pm, I should be able to do whatever I want within the park up until 7pm. That includes shopping, eating, riding rides or meeting with characters. I am entitled to my full day just as you are entitled to your hard ticket party during valid admission times. We all want to squeeze as much magic as we can out of our stay, and as long as I'm in line or checked in for my ADR by regular park close, I should be able to enjoy it.

Actually you are. You can get in a line for an attraction up until that point or, if you are already in the line, you can stay in the line. You can be in the shop, but are asked to get in line at 7 PM.

Still, as PPs have pointed out, if you really are trying to get your money's worth of your ticket, then you should avoid MK on a party day, plain and simple. Or buy a party ticket, come in at 4 PM and stay to enjoy the party.

 

[goofy4tink]

If my general admission is valid until 7pm, I should be able to do whatever I want within the park up until 7pm. That includes shopping, eating, riding rides or meeting with characters. I am entitled to my full day just as you are entitled to your hard ticket party during valid admission times. We all want to squeeze as much magic as we can out of our stay, and as long as I'm in line or checked in for my ADR by regular park close, I should be able to enjoy it.

No one is denying you your right to be in the park, enjoying everything you paid for, right up until 7pm. But, if you are getting off a ride at 7:10, you should be exiting the park then. If you get out of dinner at 7:25, you should then take yourself to the park exit. You are no longer allowed to shop. If you are in a shop at 7, and in line to purchase? Yes, you can finish your transaction.
As far as the whole 'blinders over your eyes' thing goes? Nah...no one expects that. But, those of us that paid for the ability to go to the party, watch the parade and buy special merchandise, get a bit peeved when those who should be exiting the park, try to make a purchase, or grab a seat along the parade route! And that is what happens. It's easy in the shops....the CMs know who is in line at 7. They can see. So, if you are wandering around the store, and get into a line at 7:15, you are going to be asked to show your wrist band. No wrist band, no purchase.
You are free to do anything right up until 7pm...if you are at dinner, or in line for an attraction, you get to finish what you are doing. But after you finish, you are expected to exit the park...without lingering.

 

[Disney Dynamite]

I never knew they actually escorted guests out of the park like that, but it does make sense. Is it bad that a small part of me would be thrilled to be personally escorted out of Magic Kingdom by a CM with a ghost on a stick?